The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) has issued a response to Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, regarding his recent comments claiming that the group and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) are posing a threat to the integrity of Nigeria.

In a statement released by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPoB urged Yahaya to prioritize the rescue of Leah Sharibu and other individuals abducted by Boko Haram and to address the violent activities of herdsmen before making statements about IPoB and ESN. Additionally, IPoB challenged Yahaya to justify his claims against them by demonstrating how he and his soldiers have defended and protected Nigeria’s territory.

The group also criticized Yahaya for playing to the gallery, asserting that the country’s territorial borders with neighboring countries are vulnerable and that the Nigerian Army has failed to safeguard and protect them.